Professor Marc Sorel is a faculty member in the Department of Electronic & Nanoscale Engineering at the University of Glasgow's School of Engineering. He holds a PhD from Università di Pavia (1999) and joined the Optoelectronics Research Group at Glasgow in 1998 with a Rotary Foundation fellowship. Appointed Lecturer in 2002 and Senior Lecturer in 2008, he is now a Professor specializing in integrated optics, silicon photonics, and semiconductor lasers. His research focuses on applications like quantum technology, mid-infrared optoelectronics, and nonlinear photonics. Notable projects include silicon nitride optical phased arrays and rubidium-based atomic systems. He leads a team advancing chip-scale sensors and photonic integrated circuits. Collaborations with institutions like the Quantum Technology Hub highlight his industry engagement. Research interests span semiconductor ring lasers, ultrashort pulse lasers, and coupled ring resonators on silicon-on-insulator platforms. His work integrates materials science (e.g., alumina/silicon nitride) with quantum and optical engineering innovations. Over 300 publications and presentations at conferences like CLEO and ECOC reflect his global impact. Current efforts emphasize mid-infrared sensing, cold atom systems, and high-precision laser development. His lab develops photonic components for atomic trapping, quantum communication, and biomedical sensing. Recent advancements include sub-kHz linewidth lasers and low-loss waveguides. Funding from UK Research and Innovation supports his exploration of next-generation photonic technologies.
Gunnar Kusch is a Senior Research Associate at the Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy, University of Cambridge. His research focuses on defects in semiconductors, porous AlGaN materials, and advanced characterization techniques like cathodoluminescence (CL) and atom probe tomography (APT). He holds a PhD from the University of Strathclyde and leads projects on UV-B LED optimization, nanoscale defect behavior analysis, and semiconductor device design. His work bridges materials synthesis, characterization, and device performance, with applications in energy-efficient lighting and solar cell technology. Key research areas include: Defect engineering in III-nitride semiconductors Porous AlGaN templates for high-efficiency UV emitters Correlative microscopy techniques (CL, EBSD, APT) Composition-structure-property relationships in photovoltaic materials Notable contributions include developing CL-based methods for nanoscale defect analysis and demonstrating improved Cu(In,Ga)S₂ solar cell efficiencies through compositional engineering. His laboratory focuses on translating microscopic insights into macroscopic device improvements.
Tobias Hermann serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Oxford's Department of Engineering Science, where he leads research within the Oxford Thermofluids Institute and holds a prestigious UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship. Affiliated with St. Hilda's College as an Associate Research Fellow, his work centers on experimental hypersonics and advanced diagnostic development for extreme aerospace environments. Hermann earned his Dipl.-Ing. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Stuttgart (2012) followed by a Dr.-Ing. degree (2017), with doctoral research focused on spacecraft re-entry phenomena and aerothermochemistry during atmospheric entry. His thesis involved developing optical diagnostics including Vacuum Ultraviolet spectroscopy and tomographic emission systems. His research program emphasizes experimental hypersonics and plasma flows , with core expertise in spacecraft re-entry physics , high-temperature material-flow interactions , and optical diagnostic innovation . Hermann pioneered analytical methods for transpiration cooling in porous media and developed system engineering tools for thermal protection systems. His current work bridges fundamental fluid dynamics with practical aerospace applications, particularly in hypersonic vehicle design and re-entry simulation through facilities like the T6 expansion tube. Analysis of Hermann's publication record reveals consistent focus on high-enthalpy flow diagnostics and thermal protection systems , with recent work advancing expansion tube capabilities for boost-glide re-entry simulation, integrated arc-jet facilities for ablating models, and vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy for plasma flow characterization. His research demonstrates strong integration of experimental validation with analytical modeling across hypersonic testing regimes. Hermann's scientific recognition includes: UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (2021-present) As an educator, Hermann supervises 4th-year undergraduate projects and DPhil (PhD) students in hypersonics while teaching Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics. His current research portfolio—primarily funded through his UKRI Fellowship—comprises three major thrusts: development of high-enthalpy wind tunnels (including the multi-mode T6 facility), pre-heating of hypersonic models using plasma flows, and advancement of measurement techniques like spatially resolved UV-nIR spectroscopy. These projects address critical gaps in hypersonic testing infrastructure and instrumentation. Hermann directs experimental efforts at Oxford's Southwell Laboratory within the Oxford Hypersonics group, operating facilities including the T6 Stalker tunnel, OPG1 plasma wind tunnel, and specialized arc-jet systems. His team develops cutting-edge instrumentation such as vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy systems, high-speed focused Schlieren, and pressure-sensitive paint diagnostics to investigate complex phenomena in hypersonic boundary layers and re-entry flows.
Dr. Hongxing Jiang is a Professor at the Whitacre College of Engineering, Texas Tech University, affiliated with the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering. He holds the Edward E. Whitacre Jr. Chair and co-directs the Center for Nanophotonics. PhD in Physics, Syracuse University (1986) MS in Physics, Syracuse University (1983) BS in Physics, Fudan University (1981) His research focuses on III-Nitride semiconductors (BN, AlN, GaN, InN) for optoelectronics , photonics , and radiation detection . Key areas include solid-state lighting , energy-conversion devices , MOCVD growth , and micro-emitter arrays . Recent publications highlight advancements in h-BN quasi-bulk crystals , fast neutron detectors , and wide bandgap materials . Themes span crystal growth optimization , doping techniques , and optical characterization . National Academy of Inventors Fellow (2018) American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow (2016) International Society for Optics and Photonics Fellow (2015) Optica Fellow (2014) American Physical Society Fellow (2010) China-U.S. Physics Examination and Application Fellow (1981) As co-director of the Center for Nanophotonics, Jiang leads research in semiconductor materials for high-energy lasers and neutron detection , emphasizing scalable growth methods like hydride vapor-phase epitaxy .
Mohammed Hassan is an Associate Professor of Physics at the University of Arizona, specializing in ultrafast electron microscopy and attosecond science. His research focuses on developing 'Attomicroscopy' to capture electronic and atomic motion with attosecond temporal resolution. He holds primary faculty classification and operates a lab at the University of Arizona (https://hassan.lab.arizona.edu). Education: Ph.D. in Physics (2013), Max-Planck Institute for Quantum Optics & Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. Research Interests: Hassan's work bridges atomic physics, quantum optics, and materials science. His innovations include attosecond electron pulse generation and their application in imaging ultrafast processes in solids and liquids. Key projects involve tracking electron dynamics in graphene, probing light-matter interactions at sub-femtosecond timescales, and advancing 4D electron microscopy techniques. Awards: Recipient of the 2019 Air Force Young Investigator Award and 2018 Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation Grant. Previously a Max-Plank Research Fellow (2009). Publications: Over 30 peer-reviewed articles, including foundational works in Nature Photonics , Science , and Nature . Recent trends emphasize attosecond-scale imaging applications in quantum materials and lightwave electronics. Labs/Teams: Leads the Hassan Lab at the University of Arizona, pioneering novel instrumentation for attosecond science applications.
John Martin is an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois Springfield, affiliated with the School of Integrated Sciences, Sustainability, and Public Health. Since 2006, he has taught introductory physics for science majors and astronomy courses while directing the Henry R. Barber Research Observatory and hosting public UIS Star Parties. His research focuses on stellar astrophysics, particularly the life cycles of massive stars and phenomena like Eta Carinae. Stellar Astrophysics Massive Star Evolution Luminous Blue Variables (LBVs) Supernova Impostors Be Stars and Disks Photometry and Spectroscopy His publications, including over 100 peer-reviewed works, emphasize Eta Carinae's 5.5-year spectroscopic events, LBVs in M31/M33, Be star dynamics, and supernova impostors like SN 2009ip. Awards include the 2011 University of Illinois University Scholar title, JJ Nassau Fellowship (1997), and Dean's List recognitions. He earned his PhD in Astronomy from Case Western Reserve University (2003) and BS in Astro-Physics from the University of Virginia (1995). Scientific awards include 2011 University of Illinois University Scholar 1997 JJ Nassau Graduate Research Fellowship 1995 Mastin Graduate Fellowship 1995 Dean's List, University of Virginia 1994 Dean's List, University of Virginia
Prof. Stefan Eisebitt is a Director at the Max-Born-Institut für Nichtlineare Optik und Kurzzeitspektroskopie and holds a Professorship in Experimental Physics at the Technische Universität Berlin. His research focuses on ultrafast magnetization dynamics, nanoscale structure analysis, and novel imaging techniques using coherent XUV/X-ray spectroscopy. He leads the Transient Electronic Structure and Nanoscience group and is involved in cutting-edge projects involving femtosecond laser-driven X-ray sources and spintronic materials. Education and Career: He obtained his Diplom (1992) and Ph.D. (1996) from Cologne University, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of British Columbia and Forschungszentrum Jülich. He became a Privatdozent at Humboldt-Universität Berlin (2005) and held professorships at TU Berlin (2008–2015) and Lund University (2012–2015) before his current role since 2015. He leads the Functional Nanomaterials joint research group between Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin and TU Berlin. Research Interests: His work spans transient electronic structure, ultrafast optical manipulation of magnetization, nanoscale material characterization, and advanced coherent imaging methods. Key techniques include XUV/X-ray spectroscopy, laser-driven plasma sources, and femtosecond time-resolved studies. Professional Roles: He chairs the Physikalische Gesellschaft zu Berlin and the Elettra Scientific Advisory Council. He has held leadership roles in the European XFEL Scientific Advisory Committee and the Komitee für Forschung mit Synchrotronstrahlung (KFS). His lab develops state-of-the-art setups for ultrafast X-ray scattering and holography.
Peter Oppeneer is a Professor in the Materials Theory group within the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Uppsala University, Sweden. His research program focuses on theoretical condensed matter physics with emphasis on ultrafast phenomena and magnetic materials. His research interests span femtosecond magnetism, ultrafast spin and orbital currents, out-of-equilibrium magnon and phonon dynamics, unconventional superconductivity, multipolar and hidden order parameters, and orbitronics. The group develops both analytical theories and numerical simulation codes, combining ab initio methods with model Hamiltonian approaches. Key research thrusts include ultrafast demagnetization mechanisms, spin-crossover materials, molecular spintronics, and topological quantum states in magnetic materials. Analysis of recent publications reveals strong focus on altermagnetism, terahertz spin dynamics, Dirac semimetals, and laser-induced phase transitions. The group's work bridges fundamental quantum theory with applications in next-generation spintronic devices and ultrafast magnetic switching technologies. Collaborative activities include work with experimental groups on ultrafast spectroscopy, X-ray magnetic circular dichroism, and terahertz emission studies. The group maintains active collaborations across Europe and internationally, particularly in the areas of femtosecond magnetism and topological materials. Research infrastructure includes development of specialized computational codes for Eliashberg theory, dynamical mean field theory, and ultrafast spin dynamics simulations. The group contributes to major international facilities including synchrotron and free-electron laser sources for time-resolved studies.
Simon Carn is a Professor in the Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences at Michigan Technological University, specializing in satellite-based monitoring of volcanic degassing and atmospheric pollution. His work leverages NASA satellite constellations to quantify sulfur dioxide emissions and their climate impacts. Education: PhD in Volcanology from Cambridge University MS in Volcanology and Magmatic Processes from Université Blaise Pascal BA in Earth Sciences from Oxford University Research Focus: Carn pioneers the use of space-borne sensors like OMI and TEMPO to measure volcanic SO 2 , ozone, and other trace gases. His research bridges satellite observations with climate modeling to understand sulfate aerosol formation, volcanic cloud transport, and anthropogenic pollution sources. Key methodologies include DOAS/FTIR remote sensing, satellite-ground data validation, and aviation hazard mitigation systems. Publication Trends: Recent work (2023-2025) centers on high-cadence monitoring via geostationary satellites (TEMPO, DSCOVR/EPIC), analysis of major eruptions (Hunga Tonga, Raikoke), and extending 20+ years of global SO 2 records. Research emphasizes volcanic-climate interactions, eruption response protocols, and quantifying underreported passive degassing that affects climate models.
Dr. Victoria C. P. Chen is a Professor in the Industrial, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering (IMSE) department at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), where she has served since 2002. She previously held positions at the Georgia Institute of Technology from 1993-2001. Dr. Chen has held several leadership roles at UTA, including Interim Department Chair (2012-2014), Director of the Center on Stochastic Modeling, Optimization, & Statistics (COSMOS) (2008-2012, and again from 2017-present), and Director of Doctoral Studies (2019-present). She was also the George & Elizabeth Pickett Professor from 2015-2017 and was inducted into the UT Arlington Academy of Distinguished Teachers in 2019. Dr. Chen is actively involved with INFORMS (Institute for Operations Research and the Management Science), where she currently serves as Secretary on the Executive Board. Dr. Chen earned her B.S. in Mathematical Sciences from The Johns Hopkins University, and her M.S. and Ph.D. in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering from Cornell University. Her academic journey includes visiting professorships at the University of Genoa, Italy, and Iowa State University. Dr. Chen's research utilizes statistical perspectives to create new methodologies for operations research problems appearing in engineering and science. Her expertise includes the design of experiments, statistical modeling, and data mining, particularly for computer experiments and stochastic optimization. Through her statistics-based approach, she has developed computationally-tractable decision-making methods for many high-dimensional complex systems. Her work spans multiple domains including sustainability, energy, water management, healthcare, and law enforcement. Specific application areas include inventory forecasting, airline optimization, water reservoir networks, wastewater treatment, air quality monitoring, green building design, nurse assignment systems, and pain management programs. Her recent publications demonstrate continued innovation in mixed integer programming for electric vehicle charging stations, vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy prediction, and sustainable building education. Senior Member, Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) (2024) Data Mining Prize (Lifetime Achievement Award), INFORMS Society on Data Mining (2023) College of Engineering Teaching Award, UT Arlington (2021) Third Place Award, C3.ai COVID-19 Grand Challenge (2020) Academy of Distinguished Teachers, University of Texas at Arlington (2019) George & Elizabeth Pickett Professorship (2015-2017) As an educator and mentor, Dr. Chen has advised over 25 doctoral students across diverse research topics in operations research and systems engineering. She has secured substantial research funding from multiple sources including the National Science Foundation (over $1.5 million in active projects), Environmental Protection Agency, National Institute of Justice, and industry partners like Luminant and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Her current research projects focus on decision analytics for sustainable urban environments, optimization for Texas water management, and statistical methods for pain management programs. She has served as Principal Investigator or Co-PI on more than 20 externally funded research projects totaling over $3 million in funding. Dr. Chen co-founded the Center on Stochastic Modeling, Optimization, & Statistics (COSMOS) at UTA with Dr. H. W. Corley. This research center brings together faculty and students from multiple disciplines to address complex problems through advanced statistical and optimization methods. She also leads interdisciplinary research teams working on projects related to sustainable infrastructure, energy systems, and healthcare optimization, frequently collaborating with researchers from civil engineering, environmental science, and medical fields.
Federico Belli is a Researcher at Heriot-Watt University's School of Engineering & Physical Sciences and the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences. His work focuses on ultrafast optics, nonlinear photonics, and gas-filled fiber technologies. He has contributed to over 50 research outputs since 2015, with notable expertise in supercontinuum generation, optical solitons, and laser pulse dynamics in hollow-core fibers. His research interests include the development of broadband radiation sources, nonlinear frequency conversion in novel materials, and the application of gas-filled fibers for advanced laser systems. Collaborations span international teams in photonic crystal fiber design, ultrafast laser engineering, and quantum optics. Belli's recent work emphasizes high-power ultra-flat supercontinuum generation in molecular gas-filled fibers, optimizing spectral phase transfer in gas-filled capillaries, and exploring Raman-induced phenomena in hollow-core systems. His contributions bridge theoretical modeling with experimental validation, advancing applications in molecular spectroscopy and ultrafast laser technology. He co-created the 'Near-zero-index ultra-fast pulse characterization' dataset (2022), highlighting his role in advancing ultrafast pulse measurement techniques.
Muharrem Bayraktar is an Assistant Professor at the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology at the University of Twente, specializing in XUV Optics. His research focuses on extreme ultraviolet (EUV) optics, plasma spectroscopy, and adaptive optical systems. He leads projects involving EUV source metrology, piezoelectric thin film actuators, and laser-driven plasma diagnostics. Research Interests: Bayraktar’s work centers on developing advanced EUV light sources for nanolithography applications. He investigates plasma physics in tin-based EUV emitters, optimizing thin film materials for adaptive optics, and improving spectral characterization techniques. His group explores piezoelectric thin films for precision wafer tables and multilayer mirror systems to enhance EUV beam control. Awards: 3rd Place in Simon Stevin Fellow Contest (2016) Best poster award (2018) Best poster award (2019) Advising & Activities: Supervises research on EUV source development and piezoelectric actuators. Engages in international collaborations on plasma diagnostics and adaptive optics. Active in presenting at conferences on topics like ‘EUV Source Metrology’ and ‘Nanolithography Systems’. Labs/Teams: Leads the XUV Optics team within MESA+, collaborating with industry partners on EUV lithography systems and advanced optical components.
Konstantin Vodopyanov is a Professor and 21st Century Scholar Chair in Optics & Photonics at the University of Central Florida (UCF), affiliated with CREOL, the College of Optics and Photonics, and the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering. He holds academic appointments in both Optics and Physics. His career includes roles as a Royal Society postdoctoral fellow at Imperial College London, industry leadership at Inrad, Inc., and technical guidance for multiple companies. He is a Fellow of APS, OSA, SPIE, and the UK Institute of Physics. Education: MS from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, PhD and DSc (Habilitation) from Lebedev Physical Institute (Moscow). Research focuses on mid-IR and terahertz photonics, frequency combs, nonlinear optics, and their applications in spectroscopy and biomedical diagnostics. His group develops ultra-broadband mid-IR combs, trace gas sensors, and nano-IR technologies. He has authored over 350 publications and chairs major conferences like CLEO. Research Interests: Nonlinear optics, mid-IR/THz generation, frequency combs, biomedical sensing, supercontinuum generation, and spectroscopic applications. Awards: 2023 CREOL Teaching Award, multiple fellowships in optics societies. Lab Team: Includes postdocs (Dmitrii Konnov), research scientists (Andrey Muraviev), graduate students (Woraprach Kusolthossakul), and undergraduates in CREOL labs. Publications emphasize dual-comb spectroscopy, electro-optic sampling, and novel mid-IR sources. His work bridges academia and industry, with innovations in laser systems and biomedical diagnostics. Current projects include real-time spectral analysis and high-resolution molecular sensing across 2–200 µm wavelengths.
Ying Wu is a Professor of Physics at Duke University within the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences . His research focuses on the nonlinear dynamics of charged particle beams , coherent radiation sources , and the development of novel accelerators and light sources using advanced mathematical frameworks like Lie Algebra, Differential Algebra, and Frequency Analysis. His work has significantly enhanced understanding of nonlinear phenomena in light source storage rings and collider rings, with applications in Gamma-ray source development Free-electron laser (FEL) technology Beam stability and diagnostics VUV mirror protection systems Polarization-controlled radiation sources High-reflectivity cavity design Recent publications highlight experimental and theoretical advances in Orbital angular momentum beam generation Photonuclear cross-section measurements Storage ring lattice optimization Multi-color FEL operation Longitudinal beam instability control Differential algebra for particle dynamics Current research programs include collaborations with the High Intensity Gamma-ray Source (HIγS) facility and the Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory , with active grants from the Department of Energy (1997–2027), National Institutes of Health (2024–2026), and Ian's Friends Foundation (2024–2025). Ying Wu's laboratory specializes in Free-electron laser cavity design Gamma-ray beam characterization Storage ring diagnostics systems High-current electron beam control Polarization-sensitive detection Next-generation light source development
Paul Tjossem is a Professor in the Physics Department at Grinnell College , specializing in experimental physics with a focus on electromagnetic phenomena, laser spectroscopy, and combustion diagnostics. His work bridges classical electromagnetism with modern optical measurement techniques. Current Research: Non-linear laser spectrometry, trace atom detection, and electromagnetic puzzles His research has produced significant publications spanning 1983-2019, with recent work on the candle seesaw resonance phenomenon (2019) and parametric feedback in coupled oscillators (2017). Earlier work explores photodissociation dynamics (1992), combustion diagnostics (1990-1991), and Rydberg state spectroscopy (1988-1989). Educational Background Postdoc (Molecular Physics), National Institute of Standards and Technology (1987-89) Ph.D. (Applied Physics), Cornell University (1987) M.S. (Applied Physics), Cornell University (1983) B.A. (Physics), Swarthmore College (1981) Student Collaborations V. Cornejo '98: Thomson's Jumping Ring K. Ni '09: Computed Tomography and the Radon Transform F. Friesen '10: FPGA applications E. C. Brost '10: Optimizing Thomson's Jumping Ring
